7/28/2011 10:40:00 am -
Reported by
Chuck Foster

After months of anticipation, the international version of the BBC iPlayer service has been launched today for Apple iPad users in parts of Europe. The application enables those in Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Ireland, The Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and Switzerland to watch a variety of programming from the BBC's archive, including Doctor Who.

The CEO of BBC Worldwide, John Smith, said:

I'm proud that we're one of the first international broadcasters to give access to our shows in a perfectly packaged app. This launch is an important route to market in our strategy of pursuing multiple platforms for our programmes and brands, taking British programmes to new digital audiences around the world. Today marks a significant next step on a digital journey that has already seen 12m BBC Worldwide apps downloaded across brands as diverse as Lonely Planet and Good Food.

Based on the soaring success of the UK's pioneering BBC iPlayer service, the app combines technical innovation with editorial creativity to transport users to the heart of the BBC and British television and on a journey of discovery, wherever and whenever they want. We have an exciting vision for what this service could become and will develop it based on feedback from within the markets.

The video-on-demand service, which will cost €6.99 a month, or €49.99 annually, differs from the UK version in allowing both online streaming and downloading for offline viewing of programmes. As well as Doctor Who, subscribers will have access to many series, including Fawlty Towers, Sherlock, Luther, Eastenders, Only Fools and Horses and Top Gear - programming is expected to expand weekly.

Meanwhile in Australia, technology manufacturer Samsung have announced that their Smart TV and blu-ray players will be able to utilise a new application to access ABC's iView on-demand service, enabling access to programmes like Doctor Who, Angry Boys and Spics and Specs; BBC News will also be available as a streaming service.

Samsung is committed to delivering a wide range of local and international content direct to Australian homes through Samsung Apps. Samsung Smart TVs and Blu-ray players are changing how consumers perceive the TV experience in their home.